I wanted let you all know about a project we have become involved with recently. Paul Gervasi is a film director and musician who approached us about making a documentary film about Grover’s life and career up to the present day. While movie making can be a highly speculative venture, there have been similar works about far less worthy people so we intend to help the producers in whatever way we can to give it every chance of success.

The link below is to an Indiegogo campaign to raise the funds to make this happen. We believe that when the movie is complete, it will contain a story that will be fascinating to all fans of rock guitar. In addition, it could and should be the most impactful vehicle to raise awareness for GJ2 that you could possibly imagine! That said, I must stress that no funds generated from this will go to GJ2, apart from covering expenses such as the guitars that will be given as perks. Everything raised will go to the production costs of the movie. We already have several big names in the guitar world on board, including Steve Vai, Marc Ferrari, and Tom Dumont.

Check out the trailer and please spread the word for us in any way that you can. There is also a dedicated Facebook page, so every share and “like” counts! Thank you!

]]>http://gj2guitars.com/the-grover-jackson-story-the-indiegogo-movie/feed/0Meet Travis Tidwell, guitarist with country-rap star Big Smohttp://gj2guitars.com/meet-travis-tidwell-guitarist-with-country-rap-star-big-smo/
http://gj2guitars.com/meet-travis-tidwell-guitarist-with-country-rap-star-big-smo/#commentsThu, 06 Nov 2014 21:33:27 +0000adminhttp://gj2guitars.com/?p=3245Travis Tidwell is an exceptional young talent who has hit the big time early in his career with country-rap phenomenon, Big Smo. A product of his hometown of Nashville (surely the world’s most prolific producer of top-notch guitarists), his style spans all genres from country to metal and beyond.

After meeting with Grover Jackson and Jon Gold of GJ2 at last year’s Nashville NAMM show, Travis was hooked on the quality, playability, and tone of GJ2 Guitars:

“Grover and Jon have really done it! The tone and feel of these guitars cover it all and will make you realize you have a piece of art. They’re incredible!”
— Travis Tidwell

Travis is currently touring extensively with Big Smo, playing a Floyd Rose-equipped GJ2 “Glendora™”, a GJ2 “Concorde™” with Floyd Rose, and a three-pickup GJ2 “Hellhound™”.

Follow Travis on his social channels for more cool pics of “Double T” with his GJ2 guitars:

The Birds of Satan landed at the Jimmy Kimmel Live show for their network television debut Wednesday night on ABC and rocked the house with two new songs from their debut album. Check it out:

“Thanks For The Line”

“Pieces of the Puzzle”

Led by Foo Fighters drummer Taylor Hawkins, the Birds of Satan came about through another side project of his, 70s “dirt rock” cover band Chevy Metal, with guitarist Mick Murphy and bassist Wiley Hodgden. The same lineup recorded seven songs of their own original material, along with a little help from their friends, in less than a week as The Birds of Satan. Their self-titled debut album was released in April on Shanabelle Records.

The BIrds of Satan on Jimmy Kimmel Live (Photo: Tairrie B.)

GJ2 =MM= on TV

Mick took advantage of the television opportunity to show off the Satin Camo version of his new signature guitar, the GJ2 Concorde “Triple M” (aka the Mick Murphy Model).

GJ2 Guitars is proud to have Mick playing and recording with his own signature GJ2 model, first unveiled at NAMM in January. Specially made by Grover Jackson for the “Master of Heaviosity” and bearing a likeness of his trademark =MM= signature, the ”Triple M” features two Habanero humbuckers with a hard-tail bridge. The design traces its roots to the original collaboration between Grover and Randy Rhoads (that evolved into the GJ2 Concorde), which first inspired Mick Murphy to take up the guitar.

The Birds of Satan and Chevy Metal are just two of Mick’s most recent projects. His first love is the D.I.Y. heavy rock band, My Ruin, fronted by Mick’s wife, vocalist Tairrie B Murphy. My Ruin and Chevy Metal/Birds of Satan will both be playing shows in the near future. After hitting Hollywood and Las Vegas in June and July respectively, My Ruin will barnstorm the United Kingdom in August.

Foo Fighters drummer Taylor Hawkins’ side project has spawned another side project. Please welcome The Birds of Satan, a new original group whose songs could fit right in alongside the 70s-80s deep album cuts in the set list of cover band Chevy Metal.

The Birds of Satan are: Taylor Hawkins on vocals and drums, Wiley Hodgden on bass/backing vocals, and none other than GJ2 artist Mick Murphy on guitar. The trio’s self-titled debut album just landed today, April 15, on Shanabelle Records.

Produced and engineered by John Lousteau and mixed by Drew Hester, the seven-track album was recorded in less than a week at Foo leader Dave Grohl’s Studio 606.

According to Billboard, Grohl guests on several songs and had a hand in co-writing the nearly 10-minute proggy opening suite “The Ballad of the Birds of Satan,” while the trio also got help from fellow Foos Pat Smear and touring keyboardist Rami Jaffee, Butch Vig, Drew Hester and current Yes frontman Jon Davison, Hawkins’ friend since childhood, who’s also part of several songs including the nominal single “Pieces of the Puzzle.”

Rolling Stone describes the new music as owing “a debt to the muckiest Seventies recordings by Aerosmith, Queen and Alice Cooper. Hawkins’ voice is raspy and maxed-out as he sings about paranoia and trusting oneself, while his bandmates play a mix of rhythm-heavy off-boogie rock with a dash of theatricality.”

“The Birds of Satan” track list includes:

1. The Ballad of the Birds of Satan
2. Thanks for the Line
3. Pieces Of The Puzzle
4. Raspberries
5. Nothing at All
6. Wait Til Tomorrow
7. Too Far Gone to See

But enough talk. Let’s rock.

Check out the album teaser and song videos below. You can download The Birds of Satan on iTunes.

]]>http://gj2guitars.com/the-birds-of-satan-have-landed/feed/0Video of Mick Murphy and GJ2 at NAMM 2014http://gj2guitars.com/video-of-mick-murphy-and-gj2-at-namm-2014/
http://gj2guitars.com/video-of-mick-murphy-and-gj2-at-namm-2014/#commentsFri, 21 Feb 2014 20:16:32 +0000adminhttp://gj2guitars.com/?p=2704My Ruin has uploaded footage of guitarist Mick Murphy discussing and demonstrating his new “Triple M” guitar (aka the “Mick Murphy Model”), specially created by legendary guitar designer Grover Jackson for GJ2 Guitars. The new signature guitar was unveiled at the 2014 NAMM (National Association of Music Merchants) during the Media Preview Day event at the Anaheim Convention Center. Mick Murphy and GJ2 co-founder Jon Gold presented the guitar on stage for the assembled press. Check it out:

The new GJ2 Mick Murphy Model is stripped-down, straight-ahead rock machine that looks and plays like a rocket. Made for the “Master of Heaviosity” and bearing a likeness of his trademark =MM= signature, it features two humbuckers with a hard-tail bridge, making it ideal for high-octane, tuned-down riffing. The =MM= will be offered in new colors exclusive to the model. The design is based on the iconic collaboration between Grover Jackson and Randy Rhoads from the dawn of the ‘80s that became the original “RR” model (later evolving into the GJ2 Concorde),which first inspired Mick Murphyto take up the guitar. A longtime favorite in Mick’s guitar collection has been his vintage 1980s-era “RR” Jackson model made by Grover Jackson. Now he’s excited to play this updated version—bearing his own initials—made using modern production methods by the original designer himself.

Audio Fanzine also posted some cool footage from the NAMM Preview event:

“My GJ2 guitars are so awesome that I no longer want to play anything else. The rock-solid tone, relentless sustain, singing clarity, and amazing feel of instruments crafted with pride by the master (Grover Jackson) make them the best guitars I’ve ever had the pleasure of playing. I’m proud to be a part of the GJ2family.” – Mick Murphy

In addition to his role as lead guitarist/co-composer for D.I.Y. metal stalwarts My Ruin (fronted by wife & vocalist Tairrie B Murphy), who released their 8th studio album “The Sacred Mood” in 2013, Mick recently released the Neanderthal EP entitled “Hangtime,” featuring his solo instrumental rock recordings. Neanderthal tracks are available for download here: www.neanderthal.bandcamp.com

In 2013, Mick began moonlighting with Chevy Metal, a ‘70s-style cover band led by Foo Fighters drummer Taylor Hawkins, with bassist/vocalist Wiley Hodgden. This led to a new recording collaboration between Murphy, Hawkins, and Dave Grohl in a side project called “The Birds of Satan,” whose debut EP is scheduled for release on April 15, 2014.

Mick is also currently involved in an old school hardcore-tinged album with Corrosion Of Conformity drummer Reed Mullin called Teenage Time Killers, which features vocal performances from the likes of Randy Blythe (Lamb Of God), Neal Fallon (Clutch), Lee Ving (Fear), Corey Taylor (Slipknot/Stone Sour), Pete Stahl (Goatsnake), Aaron Beam (Red Fang), Clifford Dinsmore (Bl’ast), and Jello Biafra (Dead Kennedys), as well as My Ruin vocalist Tairrie B Murphy, along with many others. The album is due out in 2014.

Laguna Hills, CA — GJ2 Guitars is proud to debut a new guitar model at NAMM in January 2014: The “Triple M” (aka the “Mick Murphy Model”), specially created by Grover Jackson for heavy metal guitarist Mick Murphy of My Ruin and Chevy Metal.

The “Triple M” guitar will be unveiled during the 2014NAMM Media Preview Day on Wednesday, January 22 at 11:30 a.m. in the Anaheim Convention Center. Mick Murphy, along with GJ2 partners Jon Gold and Grover Jackson, will discuss and demo the guitar on stage.

The new GJ2 Mick Murphy model is a stripped-down, straight-ahead rock machine that looks and plays like a rocket. Made for the “Master of Heaviosity” and bearing a likeness of his trademark =MM= signature, it features a single humbucker with a hard-tail bridge, making it ideal for high-octane, tuned-down riffing. The =MM= will be offered in new colors exclusive to the model. The design is based on the iconic collaboration between Grover Jackson and Randy Rhoads from the dawn of the ‘80s that became the original “RR” model (later evolving into the GJ2 Concorde), which first inspired Mick Murphy to take up the guitar.

In addition to his role as lead guitarist/co-composer for D.I.Y. metal stalwarts My Ruin (fronted by Mick’s wife, vocalist Tairrie B Murphy), Mick has been moonlighting with Chevy Metal, a ‘70s-style cover band led by Foo Fighters drummer Taylor Hawkins, with bassist/vocalist Wiley Hodgden. This led to a new recording collaboration between Murphy, Hawkins, and Dave Grohl in a side project called “Birds of Satan,” whose debut EP is being released on April 15, 2014.

Mick is also currently involved in an old school hardcore-tinged album with Corrosion Of Conformity drummer Reed Mullin called Teenage Time Killer, which features vocal performances from the likes of Randy Blythe (Lamb Of God), Neal Fallon (Clutch), Lee Ving (Fear),and Jello Biafra (Dead Kennedys), as well as My Ruin vocalist Tairrie B Murphy and others.

To cap off an already full year, Mick was recently recognized by the OC Weekly in their list of “The 10 Best Metal Guitarists” (ranked #3, after Tony Iommi and Jeff Hanneman).

Grover Jackson and Mick Murphy have more in common than an appreciation for Randy Rhoads and fast guitars. Coincidentally, the luthier (GJ) and shredder (MM) both hail from Tennessee and met on their shared birthday, July 17, at a Chevy Metal gig. After the show, Grover and his GJ2 partner, Jon Gold, surprised Mick by signing and presenting the “loaner” guitar he had been playing—the first prototype of the GJ2 Glendora “Spirit of ‘79” model—as a birthday gift. Since then, Mick has added another GJ2 guitar to his arsenal: a black Glendora model featuring a blocked “Habanero” brand non-locking bridge for multiple tunings.

A longtime favorite in Mick’s guitar collection has been his vintage “RR” Jackson model made by Grover Jackson back in the ‘80s. Now he’s excited about the prospect of playing an updated version—bearing his own initials—built using modern production methods by the original designer.

“My GJ2guitars are so awesome that I no longer want to play anything else. The rock-solid tone, relentless sustain, singing clarity, and amazing feel of instruments crafted with pride by the master (Grover Jackson) make them the best guitars I’ve ever had the pleasure of playing. I’m proud to be a part of the GJ2family.”=MICK MURPHY=

]]>http://gj2guitars.com/meet-mick-murphy-and-the-mm-guitar/feed/0GJ2 Unleashes the Hellhoundhttp://gj2guitars.com/gj2-unleashes-the-hellhound/
http://gj2guitars.com/gj2-unleashes-the-hellhound/#commentsThu, 09 Jan 2014 22:15:47 +0000adminhttp://gj2guitars.com/?p=2663Heeding repeated requests from customers, GJ2 Guitars has drawn inspiration from the birth of the Blues for its latest guitar model, the Hellhound.

The GJ2 Hellhound takes its name from one of the most legendary songs by pioneering bluesman Robert Johnson, “Hellhound On My Trail,” recorded in 1937. The Hellhound guitar is built of basswood, with swamp ash or sugar pine available as options. Equipped with Habanero pickups as standard, the Hellhound includes a traditional-style bridge pickup with a TD91 at the neck; or traditional-style bridge pickup with two single coils. (Additional options will be available.)

GJ2 co-founder Jon Gold explains the genesis of the Hellhound: “Grover Jackson started out building guitars by listening first to the needs and demands of players. At GJ2, we have always heeded our customers. The Hellhound model was created in response to countless requests for this traditional style of guitar.”

As with all GJ2 guitars, the Hellhound is made at our facility in Southern California. It features a compound-radius fingerboard, with materials and workmanship of the highest quality throughout. A broad palette of color options is also available.

You’ll be able to see, hear and play the Hellhound for yourself at the 2014 NAMM Show in Anaheim, California, from January 23–26. (Note: NAMM is not open to the public; you must be a NAMM member to attend.) Visit GJ2 Guitars at booth #4550.

The GJ2 Hellhound guitar in Candy Green, Made in USA by Grover Jackson.

]]>http://gj2guitars.com/gj2-unleashes-the-hellhound/feed/0Remembering Phil Everly (1939–2014)http://gj2guitars.com/remembering-phil-everly-1939-2014/
http://gj2guitars.com/remembering-phil-everly-1939-2014/#commentsSat, 04 Jan 2014 20:14:00 +0000adminhttp://gj2guitars.com/?p=2637All of us at GJ2 were saddened to learn of the passing of Phil Everly (January 19, 1939 – January 3, 2014), a true rock ‘n’ roll legend as half of the pioneering vocal duo, The Everly Brothers. The loss touches us both personally and professionally.

Back in March of 2013, GJ2 Guitars co-founders Grover Jackson and Jon Gold were searching for a clearer-sounding guitar string that would keep sounding great as long as possible. The quest led them to Phil Everly’s company, Cleartone Strings. Grover and Jon were privileged to visit Phil at Cleartone’s North Hollywood headquarters and tour the facilities to learn more about the product line. A partnership between the companies was quickly formed. All GJ2 guitars are now fitted with strings made by Everly Music.

Meeting with Phil Everly was an unforgettable experience for both Grover and Jon, and his influence on popular music continues to this day. The Everly Brothers’ tight vocal harmonies were integral to the early development of Rock ‘n’ Roll, influencing many of the biggest groups of the ‘60s including The Beatles, The Beach Boys, and Simon & Garfunkel. Phil Everly was a true musical hero who will be sorely missed.

Grover Jackson, Phil Everly, and Jon Gold at Cleartone Strings in North Hollywood, California, March 2013.

Grover Jackson and Phil Everly at Cleartone. Grover is holding a photo of himself playing a Gibson Everly Brothers model guitar.

While Grover Jackson and Jon Gold from GJ2 Guitars were here at our North Hollywood factory, Phil Everly stopped in to meet and get acquainted. As one would expect, Phil and Grover know a lot of the same people in the music industry and shared a few stories and laughs. Grover was excited to get Phil’s signature on what he called his “favorite photo of himself of all time.” By the way, that’s Grover Jackson in the photo that he’s holding. Why would Grover want Phil to sign this photo? Because that’s a Gibson Everly Brothers guitar Grover is holding in the photo. Sadly, Grover told us he doesn’t own that guitar anymore and if I “overheard” him correctly, I think Grover said it was stolen from his tiny apartment in the early 80′s. Don’t quote me on that!

An original project sprung from the cover band as well, in the form of the Birds of Satan, Hawkins’ new prog-rock side band. An EP is set to be released in the very near future and includes a nine-and-a-half-minute song co-written by Hawkins, Grohl and Murphy.

In September 2013, OC Weekly named Mick #3 on their “10 Best Metal Guitarists” list alongside rock icons Tony Iommi, Dimebag Darrell and Jeff Hannemann. He is currently playing the Glendora & Concorde models and looking forward to debuting something special in the works with GJ2 at the NAMM show in 2014.

Another project Mick is involved with is Teenage Time Killers, a proto-hardcore musical beast in which he joined forces with drum legend Reed Mullin (Corrosion of Conformity) for a unique album coming in 2014 and featuring different metal, hardcore and punk rock vocalists, with the majority of the music written by Mullin and Murphy. Some of the singers include Randy Blythe, Neil Fallon, Lee Ving, Jello Biafra, Phil Rind, Clifford Densmore, Pete Stahl, Matt Skiba & Tairrie B Murphy to name a few, with much of the bass on the album provided by none other than Dave Grohl.

Mick Murphy with Chevy Metal at Love Ride in Castaic Lake playing the GJ2 Glendora “Spirit of ’79″, photographed by Jesse Silva.

]]>http://gj2guitars.com/mick-murphy-goes-neanderthal-on-guitar-ep/feed/0GJ2 and Mick Murphy Rock GearHoundshttp://gj2guitars.com/gj2-and-mick-murphy-rock-gearhounds/
http://gj2guitars.com/gj2-and-mick-murphy-rock-gearhounds/#commentsTue, 26 Nov 2013 00:48:44 +0000adminhttp://gj2guitars.com/?p=2553Guitarist Mick Murphy (of My Ruin and Chevy Metal) joined GJ² partners Grover Jackson and Jon Gold at GearHounds Guitars and Music Gear in Wildomar, California, last weekend for an informal Q&A and guitar demo. Following a rip-roaring set by local metal band “When All Rest,” Mick brought out his GJ² Glendora and Spirit of ’79 guitars, plugged into a Laney amplifier, and put on a short one-man show featuring some of his new instrumental material. Grover and Jon then joined Mick to answer questions from the audience, along with additional questions submitted via Facebook. Grover talked about his start in the music business, why GJ² guitars are the best he’s ever made, and shared anecdotes about some of the people with whom he’s worked over the years, including Randy Rhoads, Jeff Beck, and Robin Crosby of Ratt.

Thanks to everyone who came out to the store, and to the GearHounds team for their hospitality in hosting the event! Our friends from TourBus Live were on hand to capture the action and have graciously shared some of their photo highlights from the afternoon. Enjoy! \m/